A DOG rescue centre in Wimborne is encouraging people to offer an older pooch a new home.

Waggy Tails Rescue in Magna Road runs a long-term foster scheme whereby it covers the cost of vet bills for those who rehome older dogs.

Chairman Shelagh Meredith said: “At any one time we have dogs that are difficult to rehome for no other reason than the fact they are elderly.

“Most people don’t take on older dogs as they worry about the costs for these oldies.

“Our scheme means no one should be deterred from offering an older dog a new home.

“We have five older dogs, two of whom we’ve had for over two years. It’s such a shame for them not to have a nice comfortable home for their last few years.”

She added: “Long term fostering differs from adopting a dog only in that the charity will provide ongoing support in the form of covering vet bills, medicines, providing food, and giving general advice.

“The dog will stay with you to live out its retirement.”

The dogs currently looking for homes are Nellie, Gizmo, Teddy, Pasha, and Fergus.

Ten-year-old Red Setter Nellie is described by the charity as a “very affectionate lady” who “revels in company”.

She likes nothing more than going for a walk and will also “plod quite happily around the garden”. She is not very fond of other dogs and would like a retirement home where she is the only four-legged member.

Gizmo, nine, is a “gentle” and “affectionate” Rottweiler who will “happily come up to you for a stroke”.

He has poor eyesight but once he is familiar with his surroundings, the charity says he copes very well.

He does not need to go for long walks and is content walking round a good-sized garden.

“Cheeky chappie” Teddy is a 14-year-old Jack Russell. The charity says he is “very alert and interested in his surroundings and loves his food”.

He enjoys leisurely walks at a sedate pace and, being a small dog, could make a suitable companion for an older person.

Pasha is a seven-year-old Shar Pei. The charity says his breed “tend to be self-assured and strong-willed and Pasha is no exception.”

He will need an experienced owner who, ideally, has owned or had experience of Shar Peis before.

Finally, Fergus, nine, is a Jack Russell that came to Waggy Tails after his owner died. The charity says he is “very set in his ways and will need a calm, patient owner”.